Blueberry Banana Spinach Smoothie

This blueberry banana spinach smoothie is bursting with juicy blueberries and healthy nutrients! It’s packed with 9 grams of plant-based protein and 9 grams of fiber. It makes a quick and easy breakfast or filling snack.

Why You’ll Love it:

Sweet, juicy blubes! What’s not to love? Their bright color, poppable size, and numerous health benefits make me want to devour them by the fistful.

This blueberry banana spinach smoothie is an ideal pick-me-up to beat the afternoon slump. Here’s why I love it:

• Antioxidants: Blueberries are known for their antioxidant capacity, specifically flavonoids. Flavonoids boast anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties!
• Filling: Hemp hearts add heart-healthy, brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids and plant-based protein.
• Perfectly sweet: Banana, blueberries, and a splash of passion fruit juice make this smoothie just the right amount of sweet.
• Customizable: It’s super easy to customize! I include a list of possible variations at the bottom of the post.

I make this spinach blueberry banana smoothie mid-morning, when I need something to hold me over until lunch. It makes a good on-the-go breakfast too!

Key Ingredients:

• Banana – A banana creates a smooth, creamy texture – even with the blueberry skins. It adds natural sweetness too! For the best results, use a yellow, ripe banana. When a banana ripens, it’s starch converts to sugar – making it sweeter.
• Baby spinach – Greens boost the nutrients in any smoothie. Baby spinach has tender leaves and a mild flavor that blends into the background. It’s low in calories, but high in fiber and essential vitamins.
• Hemp hearts – Hemp hearts are a great option if you want the health benefits of chia seeds without the texture! They’re rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, plus they’re a good source of protein.
• Frozen blueberries – Be sure to use FROZEN blueberries! Blueberries are 85% water. If you blend fresh blubes, you’ll end up with pulpy juice instead of a thick smoothie. I buy a big bag of organic frozen blueberries at Costco.
• Passion fruit juice – I love passion fruit juice! It emits tropical vibes and a splash is enough to sweeten a smoothie effectively. I used Cere’s Passion Fruit Juice Blend. You can find it at a well-stocked grocery store in the non-refrigerated juice aisle.
• Water – Hydrating and fresh. Use cold water so you don’t melt your frozen ingredients.

How to Make a Blueberry Banana Spinach Smoothie:

This berry banana spinach smoothie is a breeze to make! Here’s what you need to do:

• Combine ingredients: Add the banana, baby spinach, hemp hearts, frozen blueberries, passion fruit juice, and water to your blender – in that order. Make it a habit to add the soft or fresh ingredients first. It reduces stalling. The liquid can go in at the end – it sinks to the bottom!

• Blend: Start on low speed, then gradually increase the speed to high. If you start on high, the blades may stall – especially in a Vitamix.
• Adjust: Check the consistency and flavor. If it’s too thick (it shouldn’t be), add more liquid, a little bit at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
• Serve: Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

Expert Tips:

• If possible, use a high-speed blender. A powerful blender pulverizes the blueberry skins and spinach effectively. Even budget brands carry a high-speed model. Look for one with at least a 900 watt base. I recommend a Ninja, or for a long-term investment, a Vitamix.
• Order matters, but not the way you think. Most recipes say to add the liquid first. In my experience, the liquid sinks to the bottom no matter when you add it! Add the soft or fresh ingredients first, so the blades don’t get stuck.
• Use baby spinach (or baby greens). It boasts the same nutritional value, but it has sweeter leaves and blends easily.

Storage:

Smoothies are best enjoyed fresh! You can store this smoothie in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but the texture won’t be the same.

I like to store my smoothies in the form of popsicles! Just pour any leftover smoothie into a popsicle mold, add popsicle sticks, and freeze overnight.

Smoothie pops taste the best once they get a little melty! My kiddos love them.

Variations:

• Protein: For more protein, try adding 2 tablespoons of protein powder, a scoop of almond butter, or 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt.
• Whole grains: Add 1/4 cup of rolled oats.
• Greens: You can swap the baby spinach with baby kale.
• Sweetener: For more sweetness, swap the water with more passion fruit juice. Or add a teaspoon or two of maple syrup.
• Liquid base: You can swap the passion fruit juice with orange juice or white grape juice.
• Fruit: Swap the fruit for an equally delicious version. Try mango, pineapple, or strawberries in place of blueberries.

Healthy Smoothie Recipes:

• Blueberry Pineapple Smoothie
• Blueberry Raspberry Smoothie
• Strawberry Blueberry Banana Smoothie
• Mango Blueberry Strawberry Smoothie
• Smoothie King Daily Warrior Recipe